Online estate agent Purplebricks is expanding its US footprint with plans to launch in Las Vegas and Phoenix next week.

The company, which launched in Scotland in 2015 and now has more than 40 agents north of the border, said it chose the fast-growing cities for their "buoyant real estate markets", noting average property prices of around $290,000 (£218,600).

Founded in the Midlands in 2014 by Northern Irish brothers Michael and Kenny Bruce, Purplebricks launched on the London Stock Exchange in 2015 and opened its first US office in Los Angeles last September.

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That was followed by a rollout to San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno and New York.

The latest locations will both roll out on June 19, with users able to list homes for a $3,600 (£2,714) fee, followed by a buyers' agent commission on closing.

Purplebricks claims that a local homeowner selling for $261,000 (£196,777) would save around $4,230(£3,188) compared with the standard estate brokerage commission of 5 to 6 per cent.

The company has hired local estate agent Marcus Fleming as its regional director reporting to US boss Eric Eckardt.

"The Purplebricks model has continued to achieve great results on both coasts by providing excellent service and saving home sellers in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York thousands of dollars," said chief executive Michael Bruce.

"We see tremendous opportunity in Las Vegas and Phoenix, as both markets have ideal demographics comprised of consumers eager to buy and sell homes while saving money."

The news sent Purplebricks Group shares up 2.4 per cent in morning trading.